-- Many players, but few stars, drive electric vehicle applications. Many companies developing Li-ion batteries for next-generation hybrid electric vehicles show wide variation in business execution and technical value. Some, like Kokam America look promising, but remain too immature to be considered sure winners. Only two companies stand out as leaders, Johnson Controls-Saft and Compact Power. -- Utility applications are looking for technologies able to scale. NGK Insulators and A123Systems are the battery developers to beat in the utility space. Their competitors can gain ground by demonstrating progress along the scale-up curve, and better business execution. -- Low-cost, but unproven technologies competing for portable power applications. An alphabet soup of battery technologies are nibbling at Li- ion's early dominance in power tools, electric bikes and other portable applications. Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-zinc (NiZn) and even lithium-sulfur (Li-S) and lithium-air (Li-air) batteries are all pitching themselves as lower-cost alternatives."So far this year, battery companies have raised over $600 million in venture capital, which is already a huge increase over the $478 million invested in 2008," said Ying. "Even so, the moderate return to investors could bring venture investors' hopes for the sector back to earth, and further raise the stakes for battery startups." For more details on the Lux Innovation Grid, see www.luxresearchinc.com/lig. "Ranking Battery Companies on the Lux Innovation Grid" is part of the Lux Power Intelligence service. Clients subscribing to this service receive ongoing research on market and technology trends, continuous technology scouting reports and proprietary data points in the weekly Lux Research Power Journal, and on-demand inquiry with Lux Research analysts. About Lux Research Lux Research provides strategic advice and on-going intelligence for emerging technologies. Leaders in business, finance and government rely on us to help them make informed strategic decisions. Through our unique research approach focused on primary research and our extensive global network, we deliver insight, connections and competitive advantage to our clients. Visit www.luxresearchinc.com for more information.
Contact Information: Contact: Carole Jacques Lux Research, Inc. 617-502-5314 carole.jacques@luxresearchinc.com